Where exactly is it? In deepest East Ham, but we walked there from E11: head over the Flats to Forest Gate, then down past the thrills of Upton Park’s vibrant market (itself well worth a diversion) and straight down Green Street until you see the pub, a Victorian former gin palace and welcome landmark, on the corner of Barking Road.
So what goes on there? Previously a pre-match magnet for West Ham supporters, it was restored over a duration of 18 months by Remarkable Pubs, the team behind Forest Gate’s Holly Tree but also the exciting new Leyton Engineer refurb that we’ve been following on Instagram. If the former Leyton Town Hall (and Technical boozer) scrubs up anything like this, it will quite simply be a blinder. Every detail here has been restored from 1895, explained the helpful bar man, as we ordered a beer.
The interior: discuss. The original seven bars have been restored and, as you can see from our pics, there are panelled rooms, glazed partitions, globe pendant lights, Victorian bar stools, wooden floors, curtains and a sprawling dining room with a stained-glass skylight. But our advice is to sit roadside as the afternoon sun sweeps in (main pic, above) – it’s a beaut.
What should I eat? On our Sunday visit roasts were flying out, hovering at £17 for Suffolk chicken, slow-cooked pork belly and West Devon lamb shoulder, with all the trimmings. They looked huge and tasty, although we only stayed for one, intent on exploring the local Keralan dining scene (feature coming soon).
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And what do I drink? All manner of East London breweries, including Leyton’s very own Gravity Well, plus Beavertown, a signature Boleyn Lager, and Welsh stars Tiny Rebel.
What’s the vibe like? Super chilled in the bar area, but the dining room was jumping with the usual weekending crowd, equal parts buggies, harassed parents and bright-eyed twentysomethings.
Find the Boleyn Tavern at 1 Barking Rd, London E6 1PW, more info here.
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